Joyce Tate Costner, age 96, of Raleigh, NC passed away January 1, 2022 peacefully at her home.

Joyce was born Sunday, September 13, 1925 in Rutherford County, NC to the late Paul Clyde Tate, Sr. and Callie Morrow Tate. She was a graduate of Harris High School and earned an Associate's degree from Gardner-Webb University and a Bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University. Joyce was a gifted elementary teacher for almost 40 years, primarily in Greenville, NC. Years later, many students would say that she was the best teacher they ever had. After retiring, she and her husband Earl moved to Raleigh to be closer to their daughters. She was artistic and enjoyed painting, flower arranging, and other creative endeavors well into her 90's. Joyce was a member of the North Raleigh United Methodist Church and enjoyed volunteering with the UMC Ladies Group.

In addition to her parents and many friends, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Earl Costner and a sister, Marilyn Tate Betz. She spent the last 10 years at Abbotswood Retirement Community, where she thrived in her new surroundings. Joyce enjoyed the companionship of Jim Post for several years until his passing two years ago.

Joyce had a certain spark and could light up a room. She had an infectious smile, a hearty laugh, and appreciated a funny joke or story. She never lost her sense of humor. Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Sharon Costner Daniel (Robert Harris Daniel) of Greensboro, NC and Donna Costner Keener (Timothy Howard Keener) of Raleigh; brother, Paul Clyde Tate, Jr. (Blandine "Dinky") of Lattimore, NC; sisters, Betty Tate Jolley of Charlotte and Carol Tate Roper (Charles) of Rutherfordton; sister-in-law, Miriam Costner Hanna of Boulder, Colorado, and many loving nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Ernie Cole officiating. Interment will follow in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends starting at 11:00 am prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to the North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 or the charity of one's choice.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com